Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship 2021 - A "Herculean effort" to get players on course

European Tour Deputy CEO Guy Kinnings spoke to the Gulf News sports editor about the challenges that were faced in bringing the tournament, and the European Tour season, into being during this time of pandemic.  He said it was only possible when everyone involved, across the board, worked together as one.

Speaking exclusively to Gulf News on the eve of the 2021 season-opening Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in the UAE capital, Kinnings revealed the lengths the organisers went to to complete a campaign wrecked by COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown.

“It was an extraordinary year,” he said.

“The astounding thing was the effort of many to rise to the challenges and get it done. We are here first and foremost to serve the players, making sure they have events to play in for their livelihoods and earn their playing cards for the next season.

“We were 11 events in when the lockdown came into affect and we lost so many tournaments, including the Open Championship.

"We had to relearn everything. We became COVID experts and our chief medical officer became the most important member on our staff.”

How they did this, what it involved and what they learned during the process, are at this Gulf News link.


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